The highlight of this run is a short but excellent stretch—less than a mile—of high-quality class IV that holds water longer than many other runs in the Skykomish drainage. While brief, it packs in several memorable rapids and lends itself well to hot laps, with roughly 15-minute laps possible using a river-left shuttle. Other runs in the Skykomish watershed offer longer or more continuous whitewater, but this section is well worth a visit if you’re looking for something new or want to add another lap after running one of the area’s classic routes.
The full 7.5-mile run can be broken into the following sections:
Alpine Falls to BPA Powerline Crossing, 3.3 miles, class II braided channel
Unless you enjoy running significant drops with severe consequences for mistakes, most boaters will put in at the base of Alpine Falls. Although this V+ falls has been run, it features a very difficult entrance and multiple hazards that demand precise execution. Follow the trail down to the base of the falls and avoid putting in at the Highway 2 bridge.
Below the falls, the river is scenic but offers a couple miles of mostly class II+ water before reaching the main whitewater. Despite the modest rating, this section is not suitable for beginners. Wood hazards are common and can easily push the difficulty up a grade. Portions of the river are visible from the road, and the unseen stretches are similar in character to what you can observe from Highway 2.
Just downstream of Highway 2 at mile 53, the character of the river changes noticeably. Boaters who want to skip the float from Alpine Falls can access the river here for a shorter run. A short distance below this access, a large logjam blocks part of the channel at an island. As of June 2001, the jam appeared stable and conveniently prevents wood from reaching the rapids downstream, but if it were to break loose it could create serious hazards in the boulder gardens below. Expect a short portage around the logs. Another access point is available just below the jam at the BPA right-of-way crossing Highway 2.
BPA Powerline Crossing to Foss River, 1.2 miles, class IV
This is the highlight of the run and can easily be lapped using a river-left shuttle. The put-in is on the Old Cascade Highway right at the start of the rapids. Immediately below the BPA powerline crossing, the river ramps up into roughly three-quarters of a mile of sustained class IV to IV+ whitewater.
The first two rapids, Boulder City and Splat, are multi-pitch class IV drops that confident class IV boaters can typically scout from their boats. Splat is slightly longer and more technical, with tight, congested lines that require precise boat placement. Line options vary with water level.
After a short recovery, you’ll reach Mind Bender, a longer and more complex class IV+ rapid extending for several hundred yards. This rapid weaves through large boulders and broken ledges and is commonly divided into three sections. While experienced paddlers can boat-scout much of it, blind corners and ledges demand caution. A single submerged log in the wrong place could have serious consequences. As flows increase, holes at the base of ledges become more powerful, and swimming here is particularly hazardous. Although rated class IV+, the consequences approach class V at higher water.
A good recovery pool follows Mind Bender, and this is the preferred take-out for those running laps.
Foss River to Highway 2 Bridge, 1 mile, class III
Below Mind Bender the river eases into a pleasant recovery stretch, continuing as class III for about half a mile. The Foss River joins the Tye here, and the combined flow pushes through enjoyable, continuous boulder rapids down to the Highway 2 bridge. Several cabins line this scenic section of river.
Highway 2 Bridge to South Fork Skykomish, 1.9 miles, class II
Most groups take out at the Highway 2 bridge over the Tye River, but it is also possible to continue downstream. Below the bridge, the river remains class II as the Tye and Beckler Rivers merge to form the South Fork Skykomish.
Access
Several access options exist directly off Highway 2 for those running longer portions of the river. A full run begins at the base of Alpine Falls (Highway 2 mile 55.3), using the pull-out west of the bridge over the Tye River. A path leads down to the river below the falls. This option includes a few miles of class II+ before reaching the main whitewater.
To skip the warm-up miles, you can put in at Highway 2 mile 53, where the river comes close to the road. A good pull-out is located just east of the mile 53 marker. The first practical take-out is at the Highway 2 bridge over the Tye River at mile 51; the scramble up the bank is slightly easier on the west side. Below this bridge the river remains class II, and those wishing to continue can paddle another couple of miles to the bridge at Highway 2 mile 49.8, with parking available on the upstream, east side.
For those focused solely on the class IV section, a more efficient river-left access is available. Turn onto Foss River Road at Highway 2 mile 50.6 and follow it for 1.2 miles. Just after crossing the Foss River Bridge, stay left onto the Old Cascade Highway where Foss River Road turns sharply right. This junction marks the take-out at the end of the class IV segment. To reach the put-in, continue upstream on Old Cascade Highway for 0.9 miles to a “Private Road — No Turn Around” sign near a bend where the river pulls away from the road.